A 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, Idris Oloshogbo, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj.
This sad news was announced by Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Saheed Onipede, via a statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.
Medical experts in Makkah confirmed Oloshogbo’s death, which occurred shortly after he completed the Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba.
Onipede revealed that Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government, died while eating his evening meal after the Maghrib prayer.
Although the exact cause of death is still to be determined, it is suspected that high blood pressure and the physical strain from the Tawaf may have been contributing factors.
Onipede conveyed the state’s condolences to Oloshogbo’s family and friends, praying for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and that he be granted Aljanat Fridauos along with the reward of Hajj for his intention.
He also urged other pilgrims to take care of their health and avoid overexertion before the main Hajj rites begin.
“The deceased has been buried in Makkah in line with the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities,” Onipede stated.
A board member, Waheed Shonibare, led other state government officials and some pilgrims in observing the Janaza prayer for Idris Oloshogbo at the Kaaba.
Meanwhile, the final group of pilgrims will travel from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday to continue their spiritual journey. This move comes after completing the mandatory four-day stay in Madinah as stipulated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
During their time in Madinah, the pilgrims engaged in various religious activities, including performing regular prayers at the Masjid Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque), visiting the Raodah—a special section within the mosque with significant spiritual importance—and praying at the tomb of the Prophet and his companions.
They also visited other historical sites such as Masjid Quba (the first mosque built by the Prophet in Madinah), Masjid Qiblatain (the mosque with two qiblas), and Mount Uhud, where the Prophet’s uncle Hamza and other companions were martyred and buried.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Ahmad Jebe, commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct in Madinah and expressed hope that they would maintain such behavior in Makkah, where they are expected to stay longer.
Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar, echoed these sentiments, appreciating the pilgrims for their patience and perseverance. He assured them that the board would ensure their comfort throughout their stay in Makkah for the Hajj rites.
